How the Enneagram Can Transform Your Team at Work

Let’s be real: working with people can be messy. We all bring our quirks, insecurities, and sometimes even our leftover baggage from that morning’s coffee spill, into the office. But what if there was a way to navigate the beautiful mess of team dynamics with a little more grace, understanding, and—dare I say it—fun? Enter the Enneagram.

The Enneagram isn’t just another personality test that tells you which Harry Potter character you are (though that’s important too). It’s a deep dive into the core motivations that drive us—why we do what we do, what scares us, and what lights us up. And in a work environment, this kind of insight can be a game-changer for improving team dynamics, boosting productivity, and fostering collaboration.

Understanding What Makes Us Tick

Imagine this: you’ve got a team where one person (let’s call her Sarah) is a Type 1—The Perfectionist. She’s driven by a need to do things right, and let’s face it, she’s got a mental checklist that would put Marie Kondo to shame. Then there’s Ben, a Type 7—The Enthusiast. Ben’s got a million ideas, and he’s always looking for the next exciting project, often before the current one is finished.

Now, without understanding the Enneagram, Sarah might see Ben as flighty and unreliable, while Ben might see Sarah as a bit of a buzzkill. But when they understand each other’s Enneagram types, something magical happens. Sarah starts to appreciate Ben’s creativity and energy, while Ben recognizes that Sarah’s attention to detail is what keeps the team on track.

This understanding fosters empathy. Sarah and Ben learn to play to each other’s strengths rather than getting caught up in their differences. And that, my friends, is where the magic of team dynamics starts.

Communication: It’s Not Just About Talking

We all know communication is key, but let’s be honest—sometimes it’s like we’re all speaking different languages. The Enneagram helps translate. For instance, a Type 3 (The Achiever) loves a good pep talk and clear goals. They want to know what success looks like and how they can get there—preferably with a trophy at the end. On the other hand, a Type 9 (The Peacemaker) just wants everyone to get along and would prefer to avoid conflict at all costs.

When you know these things about your team members, you can tailor your communication style. Suddenly, you’re not just talking—you’re connecting. And when people feel connected, they’re more engaged, more productive, and frankly, more fun to work with.

Playing to Strengths

Let’s talk about productivity. We all want to be that super-productive team that hits every deadline and crushes every goal. The Enneagram can help you get there, but it’s not about pushing everyone to work harder. It’s about working smarter by playing to your team’s strengths.

A Type 8 (The Challenger) is great at taking charge and pushing the team forward. They’re the ones you want leading a big project. Meanwhile, a Type 6 (The Loyalist) is your go-to for risk management—they’re the ones who will have a backup plan (or three) ready to go. By understanding these strengths, you can assign roles that not only fit but energize your team members.

Collaboration: It’s a Group Thing

Finally, let’s talk about collaboration. The Enneagram teaches us that we all bring something unique to the table. When we stop trying to mold everyone into the same shape and instead appreciate the variety of strengths, perspectives, and yes, even quirks, that each person brings, collaboration becomes not just possible but powerful.

In a world where teams often work across different locations and time zones, the Enneagram provides a shared language and understanding that bridges gaps and builds connections. It reminds us that while we may approach things differently, we’re all working towards the same goal.

Final thoughts

Using the Enneagram in the workplace isn’t about labeling people or putting them in boxes. It’s about understanding the unique motivations and fears that drive us, and using that knowledge to create a more empathetic, connected, and effective team. So, the next time you find yourself frustrated with a colleague, take a step back and consider their Enneagram type. You might just find that what once seemed like a challenge is actually a strength waiting to be harnessed. And who knows—you might even have a little fun along the way.

Wanna dive deeper?  Check out my eBook: EnneaTeams at Work